The Jays are coming in with high expectations. Once again they should have the best offense in the game and hopefully enough pitching to make it back to the playoffs.

Tampa is built differently.

They have a strong staff and used the offseason to try to add more punch at the dish. The outlook is fourth place but this group has been known to surprise in the past and can’t be counted out.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays scored more runs than any team in baseball last season…and it wasn’t even close.

With the 2,3,4 combo of Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, no team in the Majors has more power and this season they have Troy Tulowitzki all season long. Encarnacion has not played all spring so he might be a little rusty.

Even if that is the case this group will score a ton of run. Its time to let them loose on the AL once again.

Taking the mound for game 1 will be Marcus Stroman. You can call him the heart and soul of this team and you can also call him one of the most promising young pitchers in the game.

His work down the stretch and in the playoffs last season was inspiring and coming out of spring training he should be strong.

The Jays also added a significant piece to their bullpen in the form of Drew Storen. That group is primed to show off what they can do.

Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa is always that little engine that could.

They are coming off consecutive fourth place finishes but are optimistic about being able to surprise in the AL East once again.

Tampa made moves to upgrade their offense in the offseason bringing in Corey Dickerson and Logan Morrison.

Some think Dickerson could win a batting title before he hangs it up and LoMo has a power stroke to slot behind Evan Longoria. They are going to need all three of those guys to perform to win consistently this season.

Tampa’s strength is on the mound and there is no surprise that they have chosen Chris Archer to be their opening day starter.

Archer has some of the nastiest stuff in baseball and perhaps the best slider in the Major Leagues.

He also has a great track record against the Jays. Last year when Toronto was destroying everyone he held the Jays to a sub .200 average, striking out close to a quarter of the batters he faced.

The bullpen will look different this year though.

No fireballing Jake McGee and they will start the year without his projected replacement Brad Boxberger.

MLB Baseball Betting Trends:

Over is 7-1-4 in TOR last 12 on astroturf.

Over is 11-4-2 in TOR last 17 overall.

TOR are 8-3 in their last 11 Sun. games.

Over is 6-1-1 in Archers last 8 starts overall.

Free Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays MLB Prediction:

It’s the first game of the year so who knows whether it will mirror what we expect to play out this year or be an aberration. There are going to be some really good pitchers involved and Archer was dynamite last April.

You can make the case either way in terms of value but the Jays have not historically played well at the Trop.

4* Free MLB Betting Pick: Toronto -111

Toronto is looking to reverse form and get off to a good start, building last year. Stroman could have an advantage in that the Rays are not familiar with him.

He did not face them at all last season in his limited action. The total might be a little low here. For the first game of the year both teams are going to be careful with their respective aces.

MLB Free Score Prediction: Toronto 4 – Tampa Bay 3

If you’re looking for more picks like this Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays matchup we’ll be providing 4* free MLB plays on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free MLB Baseball picks!

About The Wiesguy

5 Long years ago in a galaxy far far away the Wiesguy was a newcomer to the handicapping scene. Now...not so much. A true expert. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is always sweet on the underdogs and you can often find his thoughts, musings and picks at moneydogs.blogspot.com.